Entering a new year doesn’t automatically reset mental wellness; it requires ongoing care and support. Psychologists at the Care Center Clinic encourage easing into 2026 with the following mindful intentions and habits.

Practice Emotional Check-Ins

Taking a moment to pause and recognize how you’re feeling is a simple but powerful step in managing mental wellness. Emotional check-ins can be as short as taking a few deep breaths while asking yourself, “What am I feeling right now?” Filipinos can integrate this into daily routines, such as while commuting, having coffee, or during a quiet moment before bedtime.

Acknowledging your emotions, whether it’s sadness, stress, relief, or excitement, helps you increase self-awareness and process feelings instead of ignoring or suppressing them. According to Liven, emotional check-ins strengthen emotional regulation, making it easier to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively.

Use Grounding Techniques

When emotions feel overwhelming, grounding techniques can help take your mind away from anxious feelings and bring your focus back to the present moment.

• Physical grounding uses your five senses to reconnect with the world around you. Simple actions like holding a cold object, feeling the texture of a stone, smelling a fragrant flower, or savoring a spicy food can help distract your mind from distressing thoughts or emotions.
• Mental grounding works by redirecting your attention through mental exercises. You can try memory games, listing the things you see around you, or reciting a favorite poem. These simple techniques engage your brain in the present and interrupt negative thoughts.

Let Go of the Pressure to Make Everything Perfect

The New Year often comes with the urge to set grand resolutions or create idealized visions of life. The Care Center Clinic psychologists remind us that it’s better to focus on attainable goals, making resolutions feel motivating rather than overwhelming.

For example, rather than aiming to exercise every day, commit to three times a week. By adjusting expectations, you reduce feelings of failure or guilt and create space for small wins and growth.

Avoid Comparing Yourself to Others

In today’s digital world, it’s easy to fall into the habit of comparing your life to others. During the New Year, social media timelines are often filled with posts about achievements, travels, fitness goals, and “fresh starts.” While these updates may look inspiring, they often show only curated highlights, not the full story behind the scenes.

Avoid comparison by taking intentional breaks from social media and unfollowing accounts that may trigger negative emotions. Instead of focusing on what others are doing, redirect your attention to your own values, priorities, and growth. Reflect on how far you’ve come and recognize your progress.